Bridge with Mike & Sylwia

Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
Ship: Ruby Princess
Dates: 8/20-9/1/2009
Itinerary: See Below

Date	Day of the week	Port	Arrival	Departure
Aug 20	Thursday	Venice, Italy	12:00 AM
Aug 21	Friday	Venice, Italy		8:00 AM
Aug 22	Saturday	Cruising Adriatic Sea
Aug 23	Sunday	Athens (Piraeus), Greece	9:00 AM	6:45 PM
Aug 24	Monday	Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey	7:00 AM	1:00 PM
Aug 25	Tuesday	Istanbul, Turkey	8:00 AM	6:00 PM
Aug 26	Wednesday	Mykonos, Greece	12:00 PM	7:00 PM
Aug 27	Thursday	Cruising Mediterranean Sea
Aug 28	Friday	Naples/Capri, Italy	7:00 AM	7:00 PM
Aug 29	Saturday	Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy	7:00 AM	7:00 PM
Aug 30	Sunday	Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy	7:00 AM	7:00 PM
Aug 31	Monday	Monte Carlo, Monaco	7:00 AM	2:00 PM
Sep 1	Tuesday	Barcelona, Spain	5:00 AM

Venice-Italy Located on Italy’s north coast and virtually surrounded by water,Venice is singular among the world’s cities. Built over a sprawling archipelago, Venice encompasses 118 islands separated by more than 150 canals that are spanned by some 400 bridges. Adding a profound historic past and incomparable art treasures, its fame as one of the world’s great cities is well justified. Political refugees founded the first Venetian settlement in the 6th century. By the 13th century, the Republic of St. Mark dominated trade in the eastern Mediterranean and ruled the empire. The advance of the Turks in the east and the discovery of America and other trade routes in the west crippled the Venetian economy and decline set in. Despite this, Venice entered its artistic golden age. Many magnificent structures were erected; artists such as Bellini, Titian and Tintoretto created world-famous masterpieces. Napoleon finally overthrew the republic in 1797. In 1866,Venice was annexed by the new nation-state of Italy.

Athens- Greece Athens is a must-see on any European tour. The ancient and modern merge in this city in ways that are fascinating and sometimes overwhelming. Pollution wreathes the golden stones of the Acropolis and obscures views of the Saronic Gulf. Cars bleat and belch among ranks of concrete high-rises. But then you turn down a cobbled lane and discover vine-swathed tavernas, tortoises trundling through ancient ruins, and bazaars teeming with dusty treasures. Or perhaps you will encounter a sleek cafe, art gallery or an outdoor cinema that serves ouzo under the stars. Greece's capital has been reinventing itself; the results could not be more charming.

Kusadasi-Turkey Since the late 1970s Kusadasi has grown from a fishing village into a sprawling tourist center, serving thousands of tourists who flock here to visit the nearby ruins of Ephesus and enjoy the beaches. Despite an incredible building boom and an influx of shops, Kusadasi has managed to retain much of its original charm.The major attraction remains the archaeological site of ancient Ephesus, considered to be the most important one in all of Turkey. The history of this ancient city dates as far back as the 10th century B.C.; many of the remarkable structures seen today are the result of an extraordinary excavation and restoration program. As you walk along the white marble road, grooved by ancient chariot wheels, the two-story Library of Celsus presents a striking sight. In addition, there are temples, houses of noblemen and community buildings lining the ancient streets. Nestled into the mountainside is the 25,000-seat amphitheater, still used today for performances during the Festival of Culture and Art.

Istanbul-Turkey For many centuries, Istanbul was the capital of the civilized world.Today’s fascination with this teeming metropolis derives from its place in history and the monuments that remain from its glorious past. Part of Istanbul’s great attraction is its unique position on two continents, divided by the Bosphorus. Most of the population lives on the European side. The Asian sector can be reached via the high-level Bosphorus Bridge, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge or by ferry. With 12 million inhabitants, Istanbul offers all the excitement of a cosmopolitan city. Its numerous monuments, mosques and museums, plus the famous Grand Bazaar, make it one of the world’s great destinations. Although Ankara was appointed the capital in 1922 when Turkey became a republic, Istanbul’s dominance in the country’s commerce and culture is unchallenged; the city continues to be the heartbeat of the Turkish people. Istanbul’s unequaled ambiance guarantees an overwhelming experience for the visitor, and it is easy to see that one short visit can scarcely cover its numerous attractions.

Mykonos-Greece The island of Mykonos is the most easterly of the northern Cyclades. Its attractive setting and other captivating attributes make it one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in Greece. Mykonos Town is a colorful maze of narrow streets lined by whitewashed houses with bright blue doors and shutters. During the 1960s, it was the bohemian jet set that discovered Mykonos. Many old houses along the waterfront are now restaurants, bars and discos, catering to an international yachting crowd. The tiny town of cube-shaped houses extends in a semicircle around the picturesque bay. As an attractive backdrop, the famous windmills are lined up like toy soldiers on the hillside, vestiges of a time when wind power was used to grind the island’s grain. Mykonos boasts some 365 churches and chapels scattered about the island; quite a number of them are located right in town. Radiant flowers spill over whitewashed walls and shady courtyards. In addition to swimming, sunning, water skiing and surfing, visitors find endless shopping and dining opportunities. Many artists have relied on Mykonos’ beautiful setting to inspire them.

Naples/Capri-Italy Naples is one of the world's greatest cultural centers, filled with extraordinary works of art and architecture in the classical Greek and Roman styles. Several interesting tours are available of the city itself and the fascinating places that lie just outside of Naples. While you're in the area, you'll want to visit Pompeii, one of the most famous excavation sites in the world. Take a short boat trip to the entrancing Isle of Capri, and explore Capri Town. Wander its quaint streets and explore its shops and cafés. Or, take a ride up the Amalfi Coast. With its ocean views and beautiful vistas, it's one of the most breathtaking stretches of road in the world. Walk around and spend an afternoon getting to know the picturesque city of Naples.

Rome-Italy Sprawled across seven legendary hills, romantic and beautiful Rome was one of the great centers of the ancient world. Although its beginning is shrouded in legend and its development is full of intrigue and struggle, Rome has always been and remains the Eternal City. Rome enjoyed its greatest splendor during the 1st and 2nd centuries when art flourished, monumental works of architecture were erected, and the mighty Roman legions swept outward, conquering much of the known world. With Rome’s establishment as capital of the Western world, a new ascent to glory began.

Florence-Italy. Florence attracts millions of tourists each year who come to gaze at Michelangelo's David, or stand in awe at the looming Duomo, crowned by Brunelleschi's magnificent dome; Michelangelo's David, gazing through the centuries over the Piazza della Signoria; The Uffizi, palace of the powerful Medicis, containing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian and Giotto; The home of Dante, the Renaissance's most famous poet; the Church of Santa Croce, where Firenze's most revered sons, Galileo and Michelangelo are buried. No city on earth equals the Renaissance glories of Florence - along with those stylish boutiques offering superb leather goods and fashionwear

Monte Carlo-

Monaco Some argue that there is no place more glamorous than Monte Carlo in its beautiful Riviera setting. A favorite destination of the rich and famous, it's a great place for people-watching, and the streets are lined with elegant boutiques and cafes. The best tours visit the casino, the posh Hotel de Paris, the Oceanographic Museum and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are entombed

Barcelona-Spain Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia as well as Spain’s second largest city. Dominated by Montjuic, Vallvidrera and the Tibidabo Hills, sophisticated Barcelona is rich in ancient and modern architectural and artistic treasures. Many talented artists, sculptors and architects lived here, including Picasso, Miro, Mares and Barcelona’s best-known architect, Antonio Gaudн.
Barcelona’s beginnings as a major port can be found already in Roman times. But the most significant period was during the Middle Ages when the city’s wealth equaled that of the whole Catalonia province. Splendid buildings from the Middle Ages and a unique ambiance still make Barcelona one of the most attractive cities in Europe, drawing scores of visitors to see and enjoy the sights. In addition to its medieval setting and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, there are magnificent avenues through the modern part of the city, which are particularly noted for their landmark buildings of Gaudн’s design.